The following activities are just a few ideas of the kinds of "science" that could be relevant and fun for a young child. Of course, many of these ideas can be interesting to older children (such as physics professors) as well. Keep in mind that the point of any of these is not to learn new science facts or processes, but simply to see and experience new things. Surely, the same benefit can be had from finger painting, stacking blocks, dancing to music, or eating Jell-O. This particular philosophy of early childhood education is backed by research and is nicely summarized by the Alliance for Childhood.
Also, please keep in mind that all of the following activities are meant to be supervised by an adult and you should use your own judgment of what is appropriate for you children. Please let me know if you have any ideas or suggestions for me.
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Local resources and places to visit:
Other experiments and resources:Fun science toys:
Off the beaten track:(Don't take these too seriously; although, some are actually pretty interesting.)
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We need more support for the most productive, and most underfinanced, scientific community in the country. These scientists and educators do more to provide the basic intellectual infrastructure of the nation than any other group. Every year they make fundamental discoveries in physics, biology, mathematics and psychology, as well as ensure that the discoveries of previous generations of scientists are passed on to future generations. Yet they typically receive salaries of zero to $15,000 a year, and 16 percent are below the poverty line. Most of the science educators in this group actually make major financial sacrifices to do their work. They receive less federal and state support than any other part of the scientific community -- no grants, no scholarships, no research and development write-offs. These unsung geniuses, are, of course, children under five and the many women (and a few men) who take care of them. This may seem like a motherhood issue; well, actually, it is a motherhood issue. But it's sound science policy too. Give our children what all scientists need -- lunch, the right toys, a safe place to play, interesting problems to solve and someone to talk to, and watch them invent a new world. (Source: Alison Gopnik in John Brockman, "Today's Visions of the Science of Tomorrow," The New York Times, January 4, 2003) |
